NOW EXPERIENCING:Olympia

Opa! An old car park above Oakleigh Market is now a Greek islands-inspired oasis complete with a rooftop bar, delicious salty snacks, and Greek beers and wines aplenty.

The Greek-inspired decor at Olympia
Why you goWhen you find the long-standing Oakleigh Market, you know you’re in the right place. But there’s little sign from the street that this Greek-inspired bar and eatery even exists. Entering through an inconspicuous door on Portman Street, you’re greeted with floors painted to emulate Greece’s cobblestone streets and a stairwell that reads “Olympia”. Owner Nick Flaounas (who’s also behind Armadale’s Harvie and Gloria’s in Camberwell) has transformed a former car park into a Greek-island oasis that spans two levels. The sunny rooftop is all contrasting blue and white and leafy olive trees, with views out across the suburb, while the downstairs wine bar is a gorgeous, more intimate space with recesses in the walls filled with knick-knacks and a wine cabinet to peruse. Settle in for the arvo and get ready for some solid Greek-style sipping and snacking. Not only is Olympia a great new watering hole for a neighbourhood that isn’t flush with them, if you squint you can pretend you’re living your best island life.
What drink to orderSomething Greek – or, at the very least, Greek-inspired. It’d be rude not to. There’s a strong selection of beers and wines imported from Greece, including classic lagers like Alfa and Fix Hellas, and bold reds from mountainous regions like Metsovo and Meteora. If you’re in the market for a cocktail, there’s a Greek edge to many of the seasonal specials. You might get the Karpouzaki, a mix of the classic anise-flavoured spirit ouzo with gin, watermelon juice, lemon and soda, or an Espresso Martini riff that stars vodka, Greek coffee liqueur and cream infused with melomakarona, a Greek honey biscuit.
Olympia is a Greek-inspired venue in Melbourne
Bar and restaurant Olympia channels the Greek Islands in Melbourne
What to pair it withThere are enough bar snacks on this menu that you can easily make a full meal of them. And, like the drinks list, there are Greek flourishes left, right and centre. The fluffy rosemary focaccia is served with Cretan olive oil. Patates tiganites are essentially Greek-style fries. And the croquettes get their cheesiness from saganaki. You’ll also find koulouri, sesame-crusted bread rings, on a plate loaded with taramasalata (salty cold-roe dip) and Yarra Valley caviar, and keftedes, aka meatballs, made vegan. More substantial options include a club sandwich with a herby chicken mix (and a side of potato chips) and generously filled lobster-and-prawn rolls that come two to a serve.
Why we love itOakleigh – in Melbourne’s south-east – has long been an epicentre for Greek culture and cuisine. The area (and its surrounds) are home to a large population of Greek people, and enduring Greek restaurants, souvlaki shops, cafes and more. Olympia brings something fun and fresh to the suburb, while at the same time honouring its history.
Regular’s tipOn the indoor level – right next to a handful of cushy booth seats – there’s a DJ booth where local talents spin vinyl on the weekends.
Don’t leave withoutGo for a mosey through the entire venue. If you visit in winter, you might be tempted to bunker down in the cosy indoor wine bar on the first floor, not wanting to brave the cold on the rooftop on the second floor. But Olympia was made for all-seasons soirées, the top level decked out with a (see-through) roof, retractable side walls and heaters to keep things toasty. Bonus: on your way out, pop into Oakleigh Market – open Wednesday to Saturday – and shop its fresh fruit and veg, deli goods, and more.
The enticing setting inside Olympia
Who to takeThis is for anyone jealous of their family and friends filling their Instagram feeds with idyllic images of the Greek islands during the Euro summer. Olympia isn’t quite the same as hopping on a plane and feeling the Greek sun (and sea) on your skin, but think of it as a close second.